Radioactive detector means in automatic steering systems



i Filedbem.` 21, 1949 w. WELLS 2,662,201;

RADIOACTIVE DETECTOR MEANS IN AUTOMATIC STEERING SYSTEMS l 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 A TTQAzA/Eys` Filed Dec. 21, 1949 Dec. 8, 1953 w. wELLs 2,662,208

RADIOACTIVE DETECTOR MEANS IN AUTOMATIC STEERING SYSTEMS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 i FICLEB.kiwi

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ATTORNEYS.

W. WELLS Dec. 8, 1953 RADIOACTIVE DETECTOR MEANS IN AUTOMATIC STEERING SYSTEMS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 21, 1949 Mfw n.f

BY mq ATTORNEYS Dec. 8, 1953 w, WELLS 2,662,208

RADIOACTIVE DETECTOR MEANS IN AUTOMATIC STEERING SYSTEMS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed DSG. 21, 1949 AUI-L INVE cn l 77M J J BY /f/Mw@ I ATToRNEYs Patented Dec. 8, 1953 RADIOACTIVE DETECTORMEANSN AUT()- MATIC STEERING SYSTEMS Winston Wells, New York, N. Y., assignor to Canadian Radium & Uranium Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application December 21, 1949, Serial No. 134,265

This invention relates to `new and improved control apparatus and to a new and improved control method for controlling the position of a body, the direction of movement of a body, and for other purposes. The improved apparatus and method utilize radiated energy, and one or more detectors of radiated energy.

The radiated energy is preferably of the ionizing type, such as gamma rays. The detectors are preferably Geiger-Mller tubes, also designated as counter tubes. The 'counter tubes .may be of the quenching or non-quenching'type. The source of radiated energy .is preferably radium or other radio-active material which emits ionizng rays.

As is Well-known, a counter tube consists of a fine `Wire electrode which is located on the axis of a cylindrical electrode. These electrodes are located in a tube which contains a suitable gas at suitable low pressure. Said gas pressure may the gas is cumulatlvely ionized. The internal or plate resistance of the counter tube thus drops to a low value, and a large ionization current flows through the gas between the electrodes.

When radium or other radio-active material is used as the source of ionizing energy, it emits ionizing pulses of irregular energy at irregular intervals.

In the non-quenching counter-tube, the ionaation discharge current continues after it has been started, unless the applied voltage is lowered to extinguish the discharge.

The quenching type of counter tube contains a suitable vapor in addition to its gaseous lling. As one example, such vapor is the vapor of ethyl alcohol. In this quenching type of counter tube. the ionization current is self-interrupted after it has fiowed during a short period, withoutchanging the applied voltage.

For many purposes, it is desirable to use the non-quenching type of counter tube, because of its longer life and other advantages.

Some of the purposes of the invention are to control the direction of movement of a ship, an airplane, a torpedo, a rocket and other jet-propelled moving objects. The invention is also gen- 10 Claims. (Cl. S18-489) erally useful for all .control purposes, particularly remote control, as the control of a movable valve or other control part of an engine, etc.

.As one .element of the invention for certain purposes, I use a compass which may be of the magnetic type or the gyroscope type. In other embodiments of the invention, it is not necessary to use a compass.

Additional objects and vadvantages and features .of theinventlon are stated in the annexed description Aand drawings, which illustrate preferred embodimentsof the invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates a first embodiment which is used for controlling the direction of movemen of a ship;

Fig, .2 is a section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic 4drawing of the .circuit of the iirst embodiment. Quenching counter tubes are used in this rst embodiment;

Fig. 4 is a part of a diagram of another circuit which uses non-quenching counter tubes;

Fig. 5 is a continuation of Fig. 4, from lei't to right; and

Fig. 6 illustrates another embodiment which utilizes shielding means.

First embodiment-Figs'. 1, 2 3

Figs. 1 and 2 show certain well-known details of the magnetic mariners compass.

The magnets I are fixed to the bottom face of a horizontal compass card B, which is xed to a bearing 3a, to which a vertical pivot 2 is xed. This vertical pivot 2 is located 'turnably on a vertical bearing 2a, which is xed to the bottom wall of a housing H. This housing I-I is optionally lled with the usual fluid F. The top of housing H is closed by a cover 63. Gasket 6G is fixed to cover 63. Gasket 64 is held under pressure in sealing position by a pressure ring 65, which is iixed to housing H by screws B6,

maintain the .necessary pressure on gas- -It is assumed that the compass card 3 is maintained in a horizontal plane or in a plane which is substantially horizontal.

The housing H has the usual laterally disposed pivots 'Ha which turnably connect housing H to inner ring 60. Said inner ring IEl) has pivots 6i, which turnably connect inner ring to the longi tudinally disposed bearings 62, which are fixed to the ship. vThe bearings E2 may be part of a longitudinal ring which is xed to the ship.

The above-described parts of a mariners compass of the magnetic type are well-known.

According vlto this invention, a source vC of Ring Il is turnably mounted in a recess of the f vertical wall of housing H, so that ring I is turnable around the vertical axis of pivot 2 relative to housing H. When ring 4 has been turned to a selected position relative to housing H, said ring g 4 may be releasably xed to housing H. Ring 4 is turned relative to housing H by a handle 5c, which may be operated by hand or by a remote control device.

Counter tubes 5a and 5 are fixed to ring 4. In this embodiment, said counter tubes 5 and 5a are of the self-quenching type. In their positions shown in Fig. 1, the counter tubes 5 and 5a are equidistant from source C. Such positions of the counter tubes 5 and 5a are designated as their equilibrium position.

The identical counter tubes 5a and 5 have respective cylindrical metal electrodes 1a and 1, and respective straight wire electrodes 6a and 5 which are coincident with the respective axes of the cylindrical metal electrodes 1a and 1. In this embodiment, the axial wire electrodes 6a and 6 are the anodes, and the cylindrical metal electrodes 1a and 1 are grounded cathodes. This relation may be reversed, so that the electrodes 6a and 6 may be the respective cathodes, which are optionally and preferably grounded.

Since it is preferred to use gamma rays as the ionizing rays, the cylindrical metal electrodes 1a and 1 are made suiliciently thick to block alpha rays and beta rays. I can use any type of ionizing ray or ionizing energy.

The respective cylindrical cathodes 1a and 1 are connected to respective wires 50a and 50. which are connected to ground connections G, such as the metal hull of the ship.

The respective axial wire electrodes 6a and 5 are connected through respective adjustable resistors 8b and 8a and respective Wires 8c and 8, to respective positive terminals I1 and I1a of respective identical power supply and amplifier units 9 and 9a.

Fig. 3 shows the circuit of unit 9 and its connection to the respective counter tube 5.

The positive terminal I1 of unit 9 is connected through a resistor I9 to the positive terminal of a battery I8 or other source of constant and unidirectional voltage. The negative terminal of battery I8 is connected to the point |8a of a wire 29a, which is connected to a ground connection G, as by connection to point 5I of the wire 50 which connects electrode 1 to ground at point G.

As one example, the potential of battery I8 is 900 volts, and the resistance of resistor I9 is 2 megohms.

The positive terminal I1 is coupled to Wire 29 through a condenser or capacitor 20. In this example, the capacity of condenser is 013001 microfarad. N

Wire 29 is connected to the control grid Tg of the usual highly evacuated amplifier electronic tube T, which has a plate or anode 26 and the usual heated, electron-emitting cathode 23. Fig. 3 shows only one stage of amplification. Two or 4 more amplifying stages may be used, and the amplier tube or tubes may be of any type.

Cathode 23 is connected to the grounded wire 29a through a resistor 24, which is shunted by a condenser 24a.

Between condenser 2n and tube T, the wires 29 and 29a are connected by a am Plate current is supplied to tube T by a plate battery 25, whose positive terminal is connected to anode 26 through a resistor 21, and whose negative terminal is connected to the grounded wire 29a.

The tube T is preferably operated as a class A am l' through which current flows a a imes from the plate battery 25. When zero ionization current flows through the counter tube 5, the control grid Tg,l is negative relative to cathode 23, because Wow through resistor 2| cont g is then at ground or zero potential, and resistor 24 maintains cathode 23 at a selected positive potential relative to ground potential..

The positive terminal of the plate battery 25 is connected through condenser 30 and wire'28 to an output terminal 3| of unitS. The negative terminal of battery 25 is connected to the other output terminal 3Ia of unit 9. Said output terminals 3| and 3Ia are connected by the primary coil of a transformer 53. The ends of the secondary coil of transformer 53 are respectively connected to respective wires III.

Instead of using the biasing resistor 24 to maintain a. normal selected difference of potential between control grid Tg and cathode 23, the usual'biasing battery or C-battery may be used. In such case condenser 24a may be omitted.

During each period in which counter tube 5 remains non-ionized and non-conductive, with resultant maximum internal resistance, battery I8 will charge condenser 20 in a charging circuit which includes resistors I8 and 2|. For convenience, the direction of current flow is assumed to be from the positive terminal of battery I8 to its negative terminal, namely, in a direction opposed to electron flow. Each pulse of charging current of condenser 20 will flow downwardly through resistor 2 I, thus decreasing the negative potential bias of control grid Tg relative to cathode 23, and thus increasing the current through electronic tube T.

During each period in which counter tube 5 is ionized, condenser 20will discharge through a discharge circuit which consists of counter tube 5 and resistor 2|, thus sending an upward current through resistor 2 I and increasing the negative potential bias of control grid Tg 'relative to cathode 23, and thus decreasing the current through electronic tube T. 2

An alternating output current is thus induced in the secondary coil of transformer 53. This output current, optionally rectified, is delivered to a servo-motor S.

r Since the unit 9a is identical with unit 9. the above description applies. The output of unit a is delivered through Wires Ia to servo-motor When the counter tubes 5 and 5a are spaced equally from source C, the respective servo-motors S and Sa will exert equal and opposed pulling forces on their respective movable actuated members or rods I and I Ia, subject to irregularlties in the delivery of respective ionizing pulses from source C to the respective counter tubes 5 and 5a.

The servo-motors S and Sa may be solenoids,

5 in which case the pull members II and IIa are the respective solenoid plungers.

The members II and IIa are pivotally connected by respective links I2 and Iza to the common pivot point I4 of a rudder R, which is pivoted at I5 to the ship.

When the counter tubes 5 and 5a are equidistant from source C, rudder R, will be maintained in its full-line position of Fig. 1, and the ship will move in the direction I6, fwhich is the selected direction.

If the ship turns counterclockwise 4from the selected direction I6 to the undesired direction IGa, the ring 4, which is then fixed to housing H, will then turn in unison with housing H and the ship around the vertical axis of pivot 2, counterclockwise from the position of Fig. 1. The radial direction of source C will remain unchanged, because the compass card 3 does not turn in unison with the ship.

The result will be to decrease the distance between counter tube 5a and source C, and to increase the distance between counter tube 5 and source C.

The member II a will thus exert a greater pull than member II and rudder R will be turned clockwise from the full-line position of Fig. 1 to the pcsition Ra. In its position Ra, the rudder will be operable to turn the ship clockwise, until it again moves in the selected direction I6.

If the ship turns clockwise oir the selected direction I6, as to the undesired direction Ib, ring 4 will be turned clockwise relative to source C, thus increasing the radiated energy of source C which is received by counter. tube 5 and decreasing such radiated energy which is received by tube 5a, so that tube 5 will have 'more ionizing pulses than tube 5a. This will increase the power input of servo-motor S relative to the power input of servo-motor sa, so that member II will exert a greater pulling force than member IIa, and the rudder will be turned to the direction Rb,

thus turning the ship counterclockwise until it again moves in the selected direction I6.

Hence one of the counter tubes 5 and 5a will receive successive ionizing pulses at greater frequency than the other, until the course of the ship is corrected to the desired course.

Instead of delivering successive and intermittent current pulses to the servo-motors S and Sa, the respective connecting lines I and IIla may include the usual condensers and filter elements so that each servo-motor S and Sa will receive a steady current whose value will vary with the rate at which current pulses are supplied to said connecting lines I0 and Illa.

If it is desired to change the selected course of the ship from the course I6 to a new selected course, such as IIa,'the ring 4 is temporarily released from housing H, and said ring 4 is turned slowly in a clockwise direction around the vertical axis of'pivot 2, relative to housing H and the ship, so that the distance between counter tube 5a and source C is increased, and the distance between counter tube 5 and source C is decreased. The rudder R. will thus be turned to position Rb, thus turning the ship clockwise. When the ship is moving in the new -selected direction ISb, ring 4 is vagain xed to housing H.

The radiation output of source C will depend upon the size of the ship. Such radiation output may be from 0.1 millicurie to 0.5 millicurie and even several millicuries. Such radiation output should be suiciently high to minimize irregularities in the period and energy of ionizing pulses which are received by the counter tubes 5a and 5, so that the members I I and IIa will exert opposed forces which are equal or substantially equal, when the counter tubes 5a and 5 are equidistant from source C.

Also, if the apparatus is used for keeping a ship or other moving object on a selected course, the source C should have sufficient radiation output to produce the desired correction before the ship or other moving object has moved too 'far oi its selected course.

As applied to moving objects other than ships, the member R may be any member which is movable relative to the body of the moving object, such as an aileron or elevator of an airplane, or any adjustable member or surface of an airplane, a torpedo, a rocket, etc.

Also, the member R may actuate the fuel valve or other part of an engine, the movable arm of a rheostat or any other control part.

'In many cases, the compass may be omitted, and source C can be xed to housing H or to any support. Thus, if member R operates the fuel inlet valve of an internal combustion engine, it is sufficient to turn ring 4 relative to source C, while source C is xed to the frame of the engine or to any other support.

While the counter tubes 5 and 5a could be xed to compass card 3 and source C could be fixed to ring 4, it is preferred to locate the counter tubes 5 and 5a and source C, as shown in Fig. 1.

While the use of two counter tubes is greatly preferred, it is possible to use only one counter tube. Thus, if counter tube 5 and its unit I are eliminated, the servo-motor S could be replaced by a spring or other device which will exert the same pull on its link I2 as servo-motor Sa, when tubes 5 and 5a are equidistant from source C.

A gyroscope or gyra-compass can replace the magnetic compass. In such case, the source C may be xed to the axial part of the casing in which the rotor of the gyroscope is mounted, and ring 4 is mounted turnably on said casing.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5

The respective ground terminals are indicated by the reference letter G.

The specific figures stated below, as one example, are for the control of the direction of flight of a DC-3 airplane. The source C may be a mass of radium whose activity is millicuries to 500 millicuries, depending upon the amount of blocking of the gamma rays.

The negative terminal of a one-thousand volt battery |03 is grounded. The positive terminal of battery ID3 is connected to the plates or anodes IOI and lilla of identical grid-controlled electronic tubes V1 and V4 may be triodes, or of any grid-controlled type, such tubes V1 and V4, in this embodiment, are pentodes of the type known as 6AK5 which are manufactured by Radio Corporation of America, with the connections later described herein. These pentodes 6AK5 are described at page 165 of Radio Engineering by F. E. Terman, published in 1947 by McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc.

These pentodes 6AK5 are normally used with a plate voltage of 180 volts, a screen grid voltage of volts, a control grid voltage of minus 1.5 volts and with a plate current of 7.7 milliamperes. Their normal plate resistance is 69G,000 ohms.

As used in this circuit, the respective suppressor grids I I6 and I |6a of tubes V1 and V4 are connected respectively to the circuit points ||5 and ||5a, and hence to the respective cathodes and |00a. The respective screen grids ||1 and ||1a are respectively connected to the anodes |0| and |0|a. These connections have negligible resistance.

The electrodes 6 and 6a of the counter tubes 5 and a which are anodes in this embodiment, are respectively connected to the respective control grids H0 and ||8a by respective wires H9 and ||9a. The electrodes 1 and 1a are grounded.

The points and |04 are connected by a resistor R1, whose resistance is selected in a range of 5 megohms to 10 megohms.

The points |20a and |0411 are connected by a resistor R1, whose resistance is equal to that of resistor R1.

The point |04 is connected to point ||5p of the grounded transmission wire La, by a resistor Rz, whose resistance is selected in a range of one megohm to twg, ohms.

"ITnempii't |0411. is connected to point ||5b of the grounded Wire |02 through resistor R11, whose resistance is equa-l to that cf resistor Rz.

Point |04 is connected to one terminal of condenser or capacitor C1, whose capacity is 0`. 0 3 1 microfarad. l

Tne'ther terminal of condenser C1 is connected to point |05. and through resistor R3, whose resistance is one megohm, and through a selected part of resistor R4, to the grounded line La.

Point |04a is connected to one terminal of condenser C3, whose capacity is 0.001 microfarad.

rlhe other terminal of condenser C3 is connected to point |0561, and also to the grounded wire |02 through resistor R9, whose resistance is one megolim, and through a selected part of resistor R10.

The points |05 and |05a are respectively connected to the respective control grids |2| and |2| a of identical grid-controlled electronic tubes V2 and V5, which have respective anodes or plates |05 and |0611, and respective cathodes |01 and |01a.

Plate current is supplied to tubes V2 and V5 by a two hundred volt battery |03, whose negative terminal is grounded. These respective plate connections include respective resistors R5 and R11, each having a resistance o'fjgMihms.

Point I 0 is connected to one termina of condenser Cz, whose capacity is 0.001 microfarad. The other terminal of condenser Cz is connected to point I, and also to the grounded transmission wire La through resistor Rs, whose resistance is 1 O0,000- ohms.

Point TITis connected to one terminal of condenser C1, whose capacity is 0.001 microfarad. The other terminal of condenser C4 is connected to point ||4, and also to the grounded wire |02 through resistor R12, Whose resistance is 100,000 ohms.

.The identical grid-controlled electronic tubes (V3 and Vf, have respective anodes |23 and |23a, respective control grids |22 and |22a, and respective cathodes |24 and |24a. The anodes |23 and |2-3a are connected by respective wires |25 and |a to the positive terminal |0811 of battery |08 whose negative terminal is grounded.

The cathode |24 of tube V3 is connected to the ungrounded transmission wire L. Point |09 of the ungrounded transmission line L is connected to cathode |24a of tube Vs by a wire |26.

The point |21 of the ungrounded transmission wire L is connected to point |21a of the grounded transmission Wire La by resistor R13, whose resistance is one thousand ohms.

Point |21 of wire L is connected to point |28, through a condenser C5, whose capacity is 0.01 microfarad.

Point |28 is connected to point |28a of wire La, through a resistor R11, whose resistance is one thousand ohms, and through a selected part of resistor R162.

Point |28 is connected to the control grid |23 of an electronic tube V7, which has an anode |30 and a cathode |3|. Cathode |3| is connected to wire La through resistor R161, whose resistance is 5,000 ohms.

Anode |30 is connected to the positive terminal of a 40G-volt battery |32, whose negative terminal is grounded. This anode connection includes resistor Ris, whose resistance is 5,000 ohms. N

Point |33 is connected through condenser Cs, Whose capacity is 0.1 mcrcfarad, to the anode of an electronic diode Va, whose cathode is connected to the control grid |34, of an electronic tube V9, which has an anode |35 and a cathode |36. Said cathode |3E1` is connected to grounded transmission wire La.

The circuit point |31 is connected to wire La. through a ten thousand ohm resistor R11, and a nce microfarad condenser C1.

The point |38 is connected to the negative terminal of a battery |39, Whose positive terminal is grounded. The potential of battery |30 is 1110 volts.

The point |40 is connected to a terminal of a condenser Ce, whose capacity is 0.01 microfarad. The other terminal of condenser C9 is connected to the anode of an electronic diode V10, which is identical with diode Ca. rIhe cathode of diode V111 is connected to circuit point |46. Said point |45 is connected through a resistor R18, whose resistance is 19,000 ohms, to the ungrounded negative terminal'bttery |39, whose positive terminal is grounded.

The point |45 is coupled to the grounded wire |44 through a five microfarad condenser C10.

The points |46 and |41 are connected to the control grid |4| of an electronic tube V11 which has a plate |42 and a cathode |43.

Points |41 and |48 are coupled by a condenser C11, Whose capacity may be one microfarad to 1000 micrcfarads.

The point 200 is connected to the cathode of a diode V12, Whose anode is connected to wire 20|, which is connected to point |38. Said wire 20| is also coupled to grounded transmission line La through condenser C7.

The point 202 is connected to the cathode of a iode V13, Whose anode is connected to wire 203. Said wire 203 is connected to point |45 and it is also coupled to grounded wire |44 through condenser C10.

Tubes V9 and V11 are identical. Cathode I 43 of tube V11 is connected to grounded wire |44.

The device |53 conventionally represents an electric motor, which comprises an electro-magnet |54, which has a south pole |55 and a north pole |56. This electro-magnet |54 has a eld coil |51, which is supplied with field current by battery |58.

The armature |50 is pivoted at |50. Said armature has a coil |5$a whose central |52a point is connected to point |52.

Said coil 59a has respective halves |5| and aecaaoe 9 |'la, which are wound oppositely. When equal currentsare sent through said half-coils |5| and |5|a, the armature |59 remains inits position of Fig. 4.

When unequal currents are sent through halfcoils |5| and |5|a, the armature |59 is turned clockwise or counterclockwise from its position of Fig. 4, depending upon which half-coil |5| or |5Ia receives more current.

An arm 6| is integral and rigid with armature |59.

Said arm |6| is pivotally connected at |62 to aV link |64, which is pvotally connected at |63 to an arm |65 which is integral and rigid with rudder R.

The element I 66 represents a source'. of` unidirectional current pulses or alternating current. Said element |56 may be a transmitter, or it may be a receiver of electro-magnetic waves. Said element |66 has an output circuit which includes the wires |61 and |6la, which are connected'respectively to wires L and La.

The tubes V2, Vs, Vs, Vs operate as class A amplifiers, in which plate current ows at all times, and the change in such plate current is substantially linear. Tubes V3 and V6 may operate as cathode followers, in which the output load is included in the cathode circuit, and the input is applied between the grid and the remote end of the cathode load. By taking the output in a cathode-follower vacuum-tube circuit between cathode and ground, using high input impedance and low output impedance, the gain may be less than unity.

When tubes 5a and 5 are non-ionized and nonconductive, the respective plate currents in tubes V1 and V4 are close to their maximum values. Tubes V1 and Vv operate as class A ampliers.

Tubes V2 and Vs may operate only as repeaters, or as both repeaters and amplifiers.

The tubes V9 and V11 operate preferably as class B ampliers, in which the normal grid bias is approximately equal to cut-on' value, so that their plate currents are substantially zero when there is no input' signal. Their plate currents correspond to the average values of the input signals overa given period of time.

For convenience, the current pulses which are produced by countertube 5 are designated as B positive pulses, and the current pulses which are produced by countertube 5a are designated as A negative pulses. These pulses may have the rectangular wave form shown in Fig. 4, or another wave form.

The tubes V1, V2, V3, V1, V5, Vs', and' V7 have respective plate currents during each period in which the countertubes 5 and 5a are non-conducting,

When a current pulse is produced in tubes V1 and V4, the respective plate currents of said tubes V1 andv V4 are decreased to cut-01T, from an upper limit of plate current which is less than maximum plate current.

When a current pulse is produced in tubes V1',

'Va Vs, Vs and' V7, the respective variation is linear.

Whenever a respective factor is specied', this factor may be' varied. Thus, every resistor may be a variable resistor and every condenser may be of'variable capacity.

Operation of circuit of Fig. 4 while counter tubes 5 and 5a are nonconductive Plate current iiows at a normal selected constant value, which is less than maximum plate current. Control grid ||8 and cathode |00 are at the same potential. As one example, the voltage drop through tube V1 may then be 25 volts, with a resultant voltage drop of 975 volts through resistor Rz.

Zero current'or negligible current ilows through resistor R1.

TUBE V4 This is operated in the same manner as tube V1, with a voltage drop of 975 volts, in this example, through resistor Rs.

CONDENSER C1 This will be maintained at the normal constant potential dilerence across resistor R2.

CONDENSER C3 VThis will be maintained at the same normal constant potential as condenser C1, since the voltage drop across resistor Rs equals the voltage drop across resistor Rz.

TUBE. V2

Control grid |21 is at a selected negative potential relative to cathode |01. .There are equal potential drops through the equal resistors R5 and R1. The cathode |01 is at above ground potential, and grid |2'| is negative relative to cathode 01. The normal constant plate current is at substantially about 50% of its maximum value, in order to secure a straight line variation in said plate current.

TUBE Vs This is operated in the same manner as tube V2.

CONDENSER C2 This is charged to normal constant potential, which is equal to the potential drop across tube V2 and resistor R4. The normal constant potentialof this condenser C2 exceeds one-half the potential of battery |08, namely, more than volts in this example.

CONDENSER C4 This is charged to normal constant potential, which is equal to the potential drop across reslstor R10. TheA potential of this condenser is less than one-half the. potential of battery |08. TUBE Va Since zero current flows through resistor Re, control grid |22 is at zero or ground potential. Current then ows from the positive terminal of battery |08, through tube V3 a-nd line L to point |21 which is shown in Fig. 5, and through the' one thousand ohm resistor R13 to grounded Wire La.. Control. grid |22A is therefore negative relative to cathode |24. The plate current is at approximately 50% of. its maximum value.

TUBE Vc Sincev zerocurrent flows through resistor R12, control grid |22a is at ground potential. Normal constant plate current flows through tube Vs to point- |09, and through line L and resistor R13 to ground'. Hence tubes V3 and Vs are under identical operating conditions.

RESISTOR R13 The sum of the normal constant plate currents of tubes V3 and V6 iiows through resistor R113, so that the voltage drop across resistor R13 is at normal constant value.

ii TUBE V1 Control grid |25 is negative relative to cathode lill. Cathode |3| is above ground potential by the total volt-age drop across resistor R158.. The voltage drop between points |33 and |28a depends upon the ratio of the sum of the plate resistance of tube V1 and the resistance of resistor R163, to the resistance of resistor R15. The plate current is about 50% of maximum value.

CONDENSER Cs AND DIODES Va AND 'V12 Since point |33 is connected to the ungrounded positive terminal of battery |32, and the cathode of diode Va is connected to the ungrounded negative terminal of battery |39, condenser Cs is charged to a normal potential which is equal to the potential drop of the circuit of battery |32 between the points |33 and |2811, plus the voltage of battery |39. The diode V12 blocks the ilow of current between points 20D and |38.

CONDENSER Cp AND DIODES V AND V13 The condenser C9 is charged to the potential drop of the circuit of battery |32 across resistor Rm, plus the voltage of battery |39.

The diode V13 blocks the ow of current between points 202 and |45.

CONDENSER Ca AND TUBE V9 The control grid |34 of tube V9 is connected to point |31, which is connected through resistor R17 to the ungrounded negative terminal of battery |39. Hence tube V9 is blocked so that its plate current is zero. Condenser Ca is at zero potential.

CONDENSER C11 AND TUBE V11 The control grid |4| of tube V11 is connected to point |45, which is connected through resistor R13 to the ungrounded negative terminal of battery |38. Hence tube V11 is also blocked. Condenser C11 is at zero potential.

CONDENSERS C1 AND C10 The condensers C1 and Cm are charged to zero potential, because charging current is blocked by the diodes V12 and V13.

ARMATURE 159 The respective currents through the half coils |5| and |5|a are equal and provide equal and opposed electro-magnetic forces. Armature |59 remains in the neutral position of Fig. 4.

Operation of Fig. 4 when counter tubes 5 and 5a receive ionizing pulses from source C As above noted, counter tubes 5 and 5a may receive unequal numbers of ionizing pulses from source C per unit of time, even when counter tubes 5 and 5a are equidistant from source C. Also, the respective ionizing pulses will vary in respective ionizing energy.

However, by using a suilicient large mass of radium or equivalent radio-active material, each counter tube 5 and 5a will receive the same number of ionizing pulses per second, or substantially the same number of ionizing pulses per second, for operating purposes, when said counter tubes are equidistant from source C. For example, each counter tube 5 and 5a may receive approximately 100,000 ionizing pulses per second. Since the counter tubes 5 and 5a are non-quenching in the embodiment of Fig. 4, it is necessary to lower the impressed voltage on each said counter tube to below the extinction voltage of the counter tube, at the end oi a selected period after the respective received ionizing pulse has rendered the respective counter tube conductive. The counter tubes 5 and 5a are identical. When said counter tubes 5 and 5a are at unequal distances from source C, said counter tubes will receive unequal numbers of ionizing pulses per second, so that this circuit of Fig. 4 operates under the control of different numbers of ionizing pulses per second, received respectively by tubes 5 and 5a, like a counting circuit. Each ionizing pulse which is received by a respective counter tube 5 or 5a will exert the same effect. if such ionizing pulse has sufficient energy to make the respective counter tube conductive. For practical purposes, each ionizing pulse will make 'the respective counter tube conductive, until the ionization discharge is extinguished by lowering the applied voltage to below the extinction voltage of the counter tube.

Effect of ionizing counter tube 5 tive to cathode |00, to out off the plate current of tube V1, or to decrease said plate current to a negligible value or any desired value.

The voltage drop between end-points |04 and |511 of resistor Rz will thus decrease to a voltage which is below the extinction voltage of counter tube 5, thus stopping the flow of current through tube 5 at the end of a selected period, until counter tube 5 receives the next ionizing pulse. The plate current of tube V1 will be thus decreased in a respective pulse B. The period of pulse B will depend upon the selected factors. The amplitude and energy period of each pulse B will be constant and independent of the energy of the respective received ionization pulse, if said received ionization pulse is suiiicient to start the ionization discharge through counter tube 5. Hence the number of successive pulses B per unit of time will depend or will depend substantially upon the number of received ionization pulses in counter tube 5.

Ionization pulses which are too feeble to start an ionization current through counter tube 5 may be ignored for practical purposes.

Operation of condenser C1 in response to a pulse B in tube V1 As above noted, each pulse B corresponds to a decrease of voltage difference between points |04 and ||5p. Condenser C1 will discharge in a discharge current which iiows upwardly through resistor R3 and a selected part of resistor R4. The discharge of condenser C1 may be a total discharge or a partial discharge up to 20% to 30% of its maximum discharge, so that said discharge current is substantially linear.

This condenser C1 is recharged before the next pulse B is produced. During the period between successive pulses B, condenser C1 may be recharged to its maximum potential. As an alternative, condenser C1 may be recharged during said period to a potential which is less than its maximum potential.

13 When condenser C1 is thus recharged, the recharging current ows downwardly through resistor R2 and the selected lower part of resistor R4.

Operation of tube V2 in response to the change of potential o! condenser C1 The upward flow of discharge current oi' condenser C1 through resistor R3 impresses a negative bias upon control grid |2| relative to cathode |01, thus producing a decrease current pulse in the plate current of tube V2. This pulse is designated as B, although it may differ in emplitude from the corresponding current pulse in tube V1. Also the wave-form of the pulse in tube V2 may be diderent than in tube V1.

The rechargingy of condenser C1 will restore the plate current of tube V2 to its original selected value, or atleast increase said plate current above its minimum value.

Operation of condenser C2 in response to tube V2 When the plate current of tube V2 decreases, a higher voltage is impressed between point |||J and the grounded wire La. A charging current will ow into condenser C2, downwardly through resistor Rs, thus increasing the positive biss of control grid |22 relative to cathode |24, and thus producing an increase current pulse through tube V2. At the end of the decrease current pulse through tube V2, condenser C2 will discharge through tube V2 and resistors R4 and Re, and the plate current of tube V3 will decrease to its normal value, or at lerst below its maximum value of its increase pulse.

Effect of increase current pulse in tube Va at resistor R11 Such increase current pulse will provide an increase downward current pulse inthe 1000 ohm resistor R13.

Effect of ionizing tube 5u Tubes V4 and V5 will respectively operate like their respective companion tubes V1 and V2.

However, condenser C4 will discharge in respense to a decrease current pulse of plate current in tube Vs, whereas condenser C2 is charged in response to a decrease current pulse of plate current in tube V2.

The discharge of condenser C4 will produce an upward current in resistor R12, thus increasing the negative bias of grid |22a of tube V6 relativev to its cathode |24a, rnd thus producing a decrease current pulse of plate current in tube V6. oppositely to the operation of tube V2 in response to a pulse B.

If a suiciently large mass of radium is used as source C and the counter tubes 5 and 5a are equidistant from source C, the successive increase pulses of tube V3 will be substantially eoual in number, per unit of time, to the successive decrease pulses of tube Ve. Also, said respective increase and decrease. pulses will be of equal energy.

As above noted, when there are no B or A pulses, the sum of the normal, constant plate currents of tubes Va and Ve hows downwardly through resistor R13, thus providing a normal constant end continuous downward current in resistor R13.

If counter tube 5 is closer than counter tube 5a to source C, there will be an excess of B pulses and a resultant excess of increase pulses in tube Va over the decrease pulses of tube Ve and the Hence tube V6 is operated by a pulse A,

normal, constant and-continuousI downward current of resistor R13v will be modulated by a succession of separated and downward increase pulses, which will represent the excess of the number of B pulses over A pulses per unit of time.

If counter tube 5a is closer than counter tube 5 to source C', there will be an excess of decrease pulses in tube Vs, and the normal constant and continuous current of resistor R12 will be thus modulated.

Operation of condenser C5 and tube V7 When the current through resistor R12 is increased above its normal value by an excess of B vpulses over A pulses, o. charging current is sent through condenser Ct. This charging current ows downwardly through resistor R14 and the selected part of resistor Rm, thus increasing the positive potential bias of control grid |29 relative to cathode |3| and increasing the plate current of tube Vv. Similarly, a decrease of current through resistor R13 due to an excess of A pulses over B pulses will result in a partial or total discharge of condenser C5, with an upwardly owing discharge current through the selected part of resistor Risa and resistor R14, with a resultant decrease of plate current through tube V'r.

Case 1 In this case, it is assumed that the plate current of tube V1 has increased, due to the decrease of its internal or plate resistance. This will result in a decrease of voltage drop between points |33 and |28a.

Condenser Ce will discharge in a discharge circuit which consists of tube V1, resistor R162, condenser Cv-whose value is not critical, and diode V12 and battery |39. This discharge of condenser Ca will not adect tube Vs.

This decrease of plate resistance of tube V1 will increase the potential difference between points |40 and |28a. This will result in charging condenser Cs in a charging circuit which includes diode V10, and resistor Ria. The charging current iiows downwardly through resistor R18, thus decreasing the negative bias of control grid |4| relative to cathode |43, so that a plate current will be sent through tube V11 and its associated half-coil ISI, thus turning armature |59 clockwise from its neutral position of Fig. 1. That is,

an excess of B pulses over A pulses will turn armature |59 clockwise. Said coils |5| and I 5m correspond to the coils of the solenoids S and Sa of Fig. l, or are equivalent to the coils of the 5 solenoids S and Sa, to provide respective electromechanical operating devices which are coupled to the rudder or other movable member to move said movable member in respective opposed opposito directions.

Case Z In thisY case, it is assumed that the plate current of tubeVv has decreased, due to an excess of A pulses over B pulses, corresponding to the increase ot the internal or plate resistance of tube V7.

Thiswill resultin an increase of the potential oi" condenser Ce, in a charging pulse through diode Vs, and downwardly through resistor R17, thus decreasing the negative bias of control grid |34 relative to cathode |36, thus unblocking tube V9, so that the iow of its plate current through half-coil |5|a will turn armature |59 counterclockwise from its position of Fig. 4.

The increase in plate resistance of tube V2 will decrease the potential drop in the circuit of battery |32 between the end points |40 and 128e of resistor Risa.

Condenser C9 will discharge in a discharge circuit which consists of resistor R162., diode V13, condenser Cio, and battery |39. This discharge of condenser C9 will not aect tube V11, which will remain blocked.

Fig. 6

The source C is mounted on the compass card 3, and a shield |E6b, made of lead or other shielding material which blocks gamma rays is located partially around source C. Card C has a counterweight Cc to balance source C. The outer face oi shield IGGb is open. The shielding casing |63, which has recesses |59, is mounted on the ring 4 of the two previously described embodiments. The tubes 5a and 5 are mounted in said recesses, which are open at the compass card 3. Fig. 6 shows the wires which connect the axial wire electrodes of said tubes 5a and 5 to the electronic circuit E, which may be of either of the previously disclosed types. When the recesses |69 are located as shown in Fig. 5 so that the counter tubes 5a. and 5 receive the same ionization energy or the same number of gamma ray ionization pulses from source C per unit of time, this is equivalent to the equilibrium positions of tubes 5a and 5 in the previously described embodiments.

When ring 4 is turnably shifted relative to source C, the shielding eiect of shields |56 and i S9 will have the same effect as the relative turning movement of ring 4 relative to source C, in the previously described embodiments. Fig. 6 therefore exemplifies the use of shielding means, in addition to varying the spacing of counter tubes 5c and 5 relative to source C. In the positions shown in Fig. 5, tubes 5a and 5 are equidistant from source C and the shields |66 and |69 are located relative to each other to equally and partially block the gamma rays in the paths between source C and tubes 5a and 5.

Function of element 166 When it is desired to vary the effect which is produced by a difference in the number of B and A pulses per second, pulses or continuous current waves or electrical input signals of any kind can be supplied to the line L--Le by element |65. Also, ii the system is in equilibrium, as when the armature is in its neutral position of Fig. 5, such equilibrium can be destroyed or modified by means of pulses or continuous current waves or electrical input signals of any kind, which are supplied by element |66. Said element |55 may supply successive pulses or other input signals of any desired frequency. Hence element |66 exemplifies a remote control device, in which the source of input signals may be carried upon the ship or airplane or other moving object or stationary object. Element |65 may be a receiver of input signals whose source is not carried upon the moving object or stationary object.

Without limitation thereto, I prefer to use gamma rays as the ionizing radiation, because these rays penetrate intervening objects better than alpha rays or beta rays.

While I greatly prefer to use an ionizing radiation or radiations as the control radiation, and to use counter tubes as receivers or detectors for said ionizing radiation, the invention is not limited thereto. Thus, if I use ionization rays as control energy, I can use ionization chambers as receivers or detectors. As examples of other types of control radiation, I refer to the entire range of electro-magnetic radiations, which includes light, the radio spectrum, etc. I also include sound waves. The receiver or detector will depend upon the type of control radiation. Thus, if light is used as the control radiation, the counter tubes can be replaced by phototubes, photovoltaic cells, photoconductive cells or other photoconductive means.

I prefer to use one or more pairs of receivers when the control radiation is of the ionization type, in order to balance stray ionization energy such as cosmic rays.

In the embodiments illustrated herein, in which two receivers or detectors are used, the rudder R- or other movable controlled member is maintained in its selected position when the receivers or detectors are in a selected condition of equilibrium in which said detectors are equidistant from the source of radiation. This is only one example of a condition of equilibrium, and such condition of equilibrium is not limited to such equidistant positions. Thus, referring to Fig. l, the respective output currents of the counter tubes 5c and 5 may be regulated by the adjustable resistors 8b and 8u so that unequal currents are delivered to the servo-motors S and So., when said counter tubes 5a and 5 are equidistant from source C. In such case, the movable controlled member R is maintained in its selected position and. there is a condition of equilibrium, when said counter tubes 5a and 5 are at unequal distances from source C, and their respective control currents balance each other.

As above noted, the magnetic compass may be replaced by a gyroscopic compass or by a gyroscopo.

In the illustrated embodiments, the directional means, namely, the magnet or magnets, turn about a vertical axis. Said magnetic means could be mounted to turn about a horizontal axis, in which the normal angle of such magnetic means to the horizontal plane would be determined by the magnetic dip at the respective part of the earth.

In its fundamental form, a gyroscope consists of a rotor which is mounted on a shaft and said rotor is rotated about the axis of said shaft. Said shaft is mounted in a frame, and said frame is connected to a support by a pivot which is perpendicular to said axis of said shaft. The rotor may be fixed to said shaft, or the rotor may turn relative to a non-rotating shaft. When the support is turned relative to said frame around the axis of said pivot, the axis of said shaft is kept in its original selected direction by the action of the rotating rotor. In such case, and as previously noted, the source of radiation may be xed to said shaft or said source of radiation may be fixed to said frame in any position relative to said shaft and said frame. Said frame corresponds to the housing H. Hence, by using a gyroscope, the counter tube or tubes or other detector or detectors, can be mounted to be shiftable in any plane or direction.

In general, I use radiation means which consist of one or more sources of radiated energy. Such radiation means are exemplified by radium or other radioactive material, which preferably emits gamma rays.

I also use receiver means or detector means,

which consist of one or more receivers or detecaceaaoeV i7 tors, as exempliiied. by oneA or more-counter tubes.

If the movable controlled member, as exemplied by rudder R, is connected to a moving body, I optionally and preferably apply a biasing force to only one of said means, as exemplied by the biasing force -of a magnetic compass or other magnetic field, the biasing force of a gyrocompass or a gyroscope which does not act as a compass, etc. The means to which said -biasf ing force is applied, is optionally and preferably movable in all directions relative tothemoving body. The other means. to whichsaid biasing force is optionally and A4preferably not applied, is movable in unison with the moving body ina selected plane or selected direction.

I-use said biasing force toregulateorv vary the received energy, and I thus vary an electrical control factor. Said electrical control .factor may be a control Acurrent or a control volt-f age. I use said electrical control factor, as one example, to maintain the movable controlled member` in selected normal positionrelative. to the moving body. As another. example. Iiuse said electrical control factor to change the position of said controlled member relative to the moving body.

If the body is stationary, I can omit-said biasing force.

Thus. if the controlled member R, is a movable valve or operates a movable valve` of a stationary engine, the source C can be` xed to the frame of the engine, and the counter tubes 5a and 5 vmay be shiftable relative to source C. Such a remote control system, with the omission of a 'compass biasing force or other type of biasing force, may be applied, as one example, to an engine which is .carried on a ship or other movngbody.

When I specify that the radiation means and the receiver means are carried on a moving body, such means may be carried on any part of said moving body, including the movable controlled member which is carried by said moving body.

Fig. 6 shows the shielding means movable in unison with the counter tubes. However, the invention is not limited to this feature, because the shielding means may be moved relative to the radiation means or receiving means or both said means. The compass card 3 or equivalent means is designated as the biased member which is operative to control the radiation energy which is received by one or more receivers, or to vary the ratios of the respective radiation energies which are received by one or more receivers. Hence the invention is not limited to a relative movement between one or more radiation sources and one or more receivers.

I have disclosed preferred embodiments of my invention, but numerous changes and omissions and additions and substitutions can be made without departing from its scope.

Thus, I have illustrated electro-mechanical operating means which are coupled directly to the movable member. Said electro-mechanical operating means may operate the valve or valves of a hydraulic motor or other servo-motor which is coupled directly to the movable member.

The operating device of Fig, 5, which includes the armature |59 which is movable in respective opposed directions under the eiect of the difference between the respective sets of pulses, is equivalent to respective electro-mechanical operating means which urge or operate the movable member in respective opposed directions.

Also, the invention includes numerous sub- 18 ilcmbinations o! the main combination disclosed erein.

In eiect, the apparatus has a .first electri power line which includes .the .tubes 5, V1, V3 and Vs. The apparatus also has a second electric power line which includes the tubes 5a, Vi, Vs, Vc.

Each electric powerlineis adapted to deliver a. respectiveelectric current. These currents are mixed in resistor Ru to control the common tube V1. Each electric current is controlled by the respective radiated energywhich is received by the respective receiver tube 6 or 5a.

The increase or decrease of .the mixed rst and second electric currents .controls the movement of the rudder or .'othermovablemember.

I claim:

.1. Controlapparatuszfor actuating a movable member, comprising .respective electro-mechanical operating devices respectively coupled to said movable memberand operable to move said movable member in respective opposed directions, two c ounter tubes. said counter tubes being located simultaneously in the .path of the ionizing rays which are .emitted by a. source of .ionizing energy. each said counter tube having a respective pair of spaced electrodes and a respective ionizable at mospliere. each said. counter tube having a .respective source of potentialy which is applied to the respective pairof 'electrodes and which is less than the potential whicliis required vto start-an iomzation current through the respective atmosphere, said ionizing rays .being effective to start ionization discharges through said ionizable atmospheres, each said. countertube being connected Ato a respective electro-mechanical operating device through a respective intermediate cir.- cuit, and means for controlling the delivery ot said ionizing rays to the respective counter tubes.

2*. Control apparatus according to claim 1, in which said ionizing rays are delivered :in respective pulses and. said counter tubes are selfquenching.

3.. Controlapparatus according to claim 1, in which said ionizing rays are delivered in respective pulses, said countertubes are non-quenchmg, means to limit saidionization discharges to se lected equal periods, means to mix said discharges to produce .a current which is fthe difference bee tween said ionization discharges, and a circuit to apply said diierences to said electro-mechanical operating devices.

4. Apparatus for actuating a direction-controlhng member which is movably connected to a movable body and which is movable in respective opposed shift directions relative to said movable body, said apparatus comprising a rst electronic power line which includes a iirst receiver of radiated energy and which continuously delivers a rst output electric current, a second electronic power line which includes a second receiver of radiated energy and which continuously delivers a second output electric current. each said receiver having respective electrodes which are connected to a source of electric receiving power, the conductivity of each said receiver varying in accordance with the amount of radiated energy received thereby, each said power line having respective regulating means associated with and operated by the change in conductivity of the respective receiver to regulate the respective output current in accordance with the respective transient conductivity of the respective receiver, said regulating means o1' the first power line being adapted and operative to increase the iirst output electric current when the conductivity of l 19 the rst receiver is increased-said regulating means of the second power, line being adapted V- and operative to decrease the second output electric current when the conductivity of the second receiver is decreased, a mixer connected to the output ends of said power lines to receive and mix said iirst and second output electric currents to produce a mixed current which is the sum of said output electric currents, said mixed current being increased when the conductivity of said ilrst receiver is increased and being decreased when the conductivity of said second receiver is increased, rst electro-magnetic means carried by said movable body and connected to said direction-controlling member and adapted and operative when activated to move said directioncontrolling member relative to said movable body in one of said shift directions, second electrooperated by the increase of said mixed currentV to increase the plate current of one of said electronic control tubes, said control means being operated by the decrease of said mixed current to. increase the plate current of the other of said electronic control tubes, a radiating source of radiated energy for said receivers carried by said movable body, said receivers being simultaneous- 1y movable relative to said source, movable means carried by said movable body for controlling the reception of radiated energy by said receivers from said source, a source of directional biasing force connected to said movable means and biasing said movable means to normally impinge selected respective radiations from said source upon said receivers, said biasing force having a i-lxed direction.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, in which said receivers are counter tubes.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4, in which said control tubes are normally biased to substantial cut-ofi.

7. Apparatus according to claim 4, in whichk said receivers are counter `tubes and said control tubes are normally biased to substantial cut-off,

8. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which said movabley means include a movable support on which said radiation source is mounted and in which said biasing force is a compassforce and its source is ilxed to said movable support, said receivers being mounted on a second movable support.

9. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which said movable means include a movable support on which said radiation source is mounted and in which said biasing force is a compass force and its source is xed to said movable support,

f said receivers being mounted on a second movable support, said supports being turnable about a common axis.

l0. Apparatus according to claim 4, which has a signal input line which is connected-to kboth said electronic power lines anterior said mixer, said signal input line being connected and adapted to deliver an electrical signal to both said electronic power lines and to modulate said mixed current.

WINSTON WELLS.

References cited in the fue or this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name n Date 800,654 Kitsee f Oct. 3, 1905 1,999,646 Wittkuhns Apr. 30, 1935 2,085,010 Dillon June 29, 1937 2,102,511 Chance Dec. 14, 1937 2,182,696 Janeway Dec. 5, 1939 2,182,717 Chance Dec. 5, 1939 2,331,698 Keeler Oct. l2, 1943 2,424,193 Rost et al. July 15, 1947 2,441,269 Hartig May 11, 1948 OTHER REFERENCES Korn?, Electron and Nuclear Counters, D. Van Nostrand Co., 1946, page 168.

Evans et al., Review of Scientic Instruments,

' November 1939, pp. 339, 341.

Kip et al., Review of Scientic Instruments. September 1946, pp. 323-324. 

